Averages for dubai in December

Weather lowdown

Dubai on the Persian Gulf Coast remains hot and sunny all year round with its dry desert climate, even during the winter months. There are no real distinguishable seasons in the United Arab Emirates, meaning tourists flock to Dubai throughout the year, especially during the colder months to soak up a bit of winter sun.

Temperatures rarely drop below 15°C and can reach up to 27°C on average during the hottest part of the day. Rainfall is a low 0.6 inches, with only 2 days of the month expected to be wet.

The month of December in Dubai is characterized by falling daily high temperatures, with daily highs decreasing from 27°C to 23°C over the course of the month and exceeding 30°C or dropping below 22°C one day in ten. Furthermore, the cold season in Dubai lasts from December 6th to March 6th, with an average daily high temperature of 27°C, so it’s still nothing to complain about, compared to the weather back home at this time year!

In recent years the highest temperature recorded in Dubai was a blistering 35.5°C, whilst the coolest recorded temperature was 8.2°C!

The shortest day of the year actually falls on December 21st, with 10:34 hours of daylight, compared to the longest day of the year on June 20th, which experiences 13:43 hours of daylight. Over the course of December, the length of day is essentially constant. On average the longest day of the month is December 1st, with 10:41 hours of daylight. The amount of sunlight hours have also decreased to eight hours per day, compared to November, which sees on average 10 hours of sunlight per day.

During December the median cloud cover ranges from a mostly clear 16% to 24%. At this time of year the trend is for the sky to be becoming cloudier with the median cloud cover increasing by 8% from the beginning to the end of the month. On December 16th, the sky is clear or mostly clear 63% of the time and partly cloudy only 16% of the time.

Precipitation is rather low at this time of year. Rainfall is most likely around December 31st, at 14%, whilst precipitation is least likely around December 1st when rainfall is only 8% likely. Over the course of the month it is predicted for only 20mm of rainfall, spread across a total of four days. The wettest month of the year is usually February, which sees on average 40mm of rainfall.

At this time of year humidity ranges from a comfortable 41% to a very humid 91%, rarely dropping below a dry 27% or reaching as high as a very humid 100%. The air is usually direst around December 1st, at which time the relative humidity drops below a comfortable 49%. On the other hand, it is predicted to be most humid around December 17th, where humidity levels could rise above 82%. On average the least humid month of the year is May, which sees humidity levels stay around 50%.

Over the course of December, average wind speeds vary from 1 m/s to 6m/s, which is considered as a light to moderate breeze, rarely exceeding 8 m/s. The highest average wind speed of 3 m/s usually occurs around December 9th, at which time the average daily maximum wind speed is 6 m/s.

The sea temperature is relatively warm at this time of year at 23°C, however, this is considerably cooler to August, which sees average sea temperatures rocket to 33°C!

Dubai Skyline

Things to do

For visitors who are missing the December snow back home, there’s an easy solution; SkiDubai. The first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, this attraction allows visitors to enjoy the thrill of the snowy mountains amidst the Arabian Desert heat. Unlike many artificial ski slopes, this venue creates the most realistic atmosphere available, even including a chairlift and real snow. The slopes are kept at a chilly -4 degrees and are home to a couple of penguins.

Dubai is a great place to see in the new year, although expect it to be crowded from the middle of December onwards. For access to exclusive beach parties at some of Dubai’s top hotels, expect to pay between £400 and £500 per head. But visitors don’t need to pay out to have a good time in Dubai. The BurjKhalifaputs on a spectacular fireworks show each year at midnight which can be seen from all over Dubai City for free.

The Dubai Museum is the main museum in the region. It is located in the oldest existing building in Dubai, the Al Fahidi Fort, which was built in 1787. The museum’s main aim is to showcase the traditional way of life in the United Arab Emirates. It also includes several exhibitions presenting antiquities and artifacts from African and Asian countries that traded with Dubai.

Another historical place of interest is the Saeed Al Maktoum House located along the Dubai Creek. This significant building used to be the former residential quarters of Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai in the UAE.

Ski Dubai

Dates for the diary

December is a relatively quiet month in terms of events in Dubai. December 2nd sees UAE National Day, which is considered as a public holiday throughout the country. This marks the day in 1971 that the UAE was no longer a part of the British Protectorate. Al Dayana Street is a central venue for the celebration, where people bring along snow sprays and youth dress up in traditional attire.

The Dubai Desert Road Run takes place on December 6th. There will be several races over the course of the year for runners, and this is one of them. The race includes a 10km race for adults and those over 14 years old. There is also a 3km junior event for 6-18 year olds, as well as a 3km untimed race just for fun.

From December 10th until December 17th, the Dubai International Film Festival takes place at the Madinat Jumeirah. This week-long film festival began in 2003 and has now grown into a major international event. International and national actors, directors, writers and filmmakers meet to share experience and ideas with talks and seminars. There are also a number of films on show including shorts, regional, mainstream and documentary films.

If you are staying in Dubai on New Year’s Eve you should head over to Downtown Dubai and the shores of the Palm Jumeirah and the Madinat Jumeirah for a fantastic fireworks display. In 2013, they broke the previous Guinness Book of World Records for the largest fireworks display in the world, firing 479,651 shells in six minutes! Kuwait was the previous record with an hour-long show of 77,282 set in November 2011. Who knows, this year’s celebration may be even bigger!

Fireworks at the Burj Khalifa

Where to eat & drink

La Petite Masion is one of the most sought-after restaurants in the whole of Dubai. This French eatery offers anything from razor clams to cheesecake, made with the freshest and highest quality ingredients.

However, if you’re missing the food from back home why not head to the British restaurant Rhodes Mezzanine, run by British chef Gary Rhodes. This eatery serves all the British classics with a delicious French flair. Although this place is rather pricey, it is perfect for any foodies out there!

Party South American style at Beach House Cabana, situated at the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, in between the Shoreline Apartments. With lively Latino beats, a DJ set, expert mixologists and salsa dancing, Beach House Cabana offers a unique experience, found nowhere else in Dubai.

If you’d rather spend the evening in a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere why not head to the 1897 Dubai bar, which brings New York chicness to the Middle East. Situated in the Mall of The Emirates, this bar offers a moody low-lit setting with plush sofas and indulgent cocktails.

Hit the beach

Nasimi Beach is literally just a stone’s throw away from Atlantis. This chilled out beach club offers sun loungers and plush beds, all with waiter service. However, at the weekends this place fills up extremely fast, especially in December which is in the middle of the main tourist season in Dubai as temperatures are more comfortable at this time of year.

Another option is the Meydan Beach Club, set on the beachfront, close to JBR. This trendy beach club offers two infinity swimming pools, a pool bar and an Ibiza-style chill out lounge called Café del Mar.

If you’re looking for a free and quiet beach you must head over to Kite Beach, otherwise known as ‘Wollongong Beach.’ This clean beach is extremely popular for kite surfers and water sports enthusiasts who want to escape the crowds found at Jumeirah Beach.

Jumeirah Beach

Where to stay

The 4* CapitolHotel offers rooms with floor to ceiling windows from which to view the fireworks from just £68 per night. However, expect this rate to soar over New Years, especially for last minute bookings.

The Ibis Al Rigga is an affordable two-star hotel located in Dubai’s Al Rigga neighborhood. This comfortable hotel offers a fitness centre, free parking and is only a five-minute walk from the local Al Rigga Metro Station.

For a more central location why not stay at the three-star Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai, located in the historic Bur Dubai district. This popular hotel features a rooftop swimming pool, well-equipped gym, several restaurants and free private parking.

The five-star Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai boasts a premium location in the heart of the Sheikh Zayed Road, facing the Dubai International Convention Centre. All guest rooms at this exclusive hotel come with an LCD satellite TV, safety deposit box and Wi-Fi access. The Radisson Royal Hotel also offers a number of different dining options as well as a nightclub with two bars, a VIP area and a rooftop pool, complete with a poolside bar.